Best Online Ph.D. and PsyD in Pastoral Counseling Degree Programs

Pastoral counselors provide treatment for people who specifically seek pastoral counseling, and for people who seek generalized counseling services. Students who earn a doctorate in pastoral counseling are uniquely qualified to work in a variety of settings. Many pastoral counselors work in churches, while other pastoral counselors who earn their degree from a top doctorate in pastoral counseling program work in other settings. Some other places where they work include rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, hospitals, correctional facilities, and community agencies. The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) indicates that, through accreditation, online pastoral education programs, which include online doctorate degrees in pastoral counseling, demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high quality in their programs.

What Will I Learn in an Online Pastoral Counseling Doctorate Program?

Online doctorate in pastoral counseling programs prepares students to provide professional pastoral care and counseling, to work in specialized clinical settings, and to minister to missionaries and their families. The Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Gardner-Webb University is a 30-hour degree program that also requires students to complete five seminars. Students complete a six-credit hour supervision. The supervision requirement consists of 400 supervised hours of ministry in an institution. The institutional setting may be in a hospital, a correctional facility, a hospice, or in another approved setting.

Some sample courses in this online doctorate in pastoral counseling program include:

• Applied Counseling Theories

• Integration of Theology and Psychology

• Cognitive Theory and Application

• Assessment and Treatment of Addictive Behaviors

• Counselor Spirituality and Identity

• Ministry of Individual Counseling

• Ministry of Counseling with Focus on Groups

Admissions Requirements for a Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling

The admissions requirements for the best doctorate programs in pastoral counseling may differ somewhat when compared to admissions requirements for other colleges and universities or other types of degree programs. Students must still comply with all admissions requirements for acceptance at the college or university and for a doctorate in a pastoral counseling program.

The Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling program at Neumann University welcomes students of all faiths and spiritual practices to apply for entry into the program. The university prepares graduates of the program who can "link their clinical knowledge, counseling skills and mental health research" to help their clients with real-life issues. The program prepares students to make contributions in the areas of mental health and spirituality. The admissions requirements for this best doctorate in pastoral counseling program include:

• Having a master's degree in a counseling-related field from a regionally accredited institution

• Submitting transcripts from each college or university previously attended

• Submitting two written recommendations from faith community leaders or clinical supervisors

• Providing a four-page personal essay that describes personal strengths and faith identity and career goals

• Submitting a resume or curriculum vitae

• Providing scores from the most recent Miller's Analogy Test

Students also meet with the director of the Ph.D. program for a personal interview as part of the admissions process.

List of Pastoral Counseling Doctorate Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based doctorate program in pastoral counseling today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Liz Norris, LPCC

Liz Norris is a highly skilled and compassionate Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who has devoted her career to helping individuals achieve mental wellness and lead fulfilling lives. After receiving her master's degree in counseling, Liz worked in various clinical settings, including community mental health clinics and private practices. Throughout her career, Liz recognized the importance of providing resources and support to aspiring counselors and psychologists. This led to her involvement with CounselingPsychology.org, a website dedicated to helping individuals navigate the journey towards becoming a mental health professional. Liz is a mother of three who enjoys writing, tennis, and volunteering in her community.